Additional Coverage:
- Dax Shepard says it was a ‘blessing’ he didn’t try to find out how much his costars made before starring on ‘Parenthood’ (businessinsider.com)
Dax Shepard Reveals “Parenthood” Paycheque Philosophy: Ignorance is Bliss
Actor and podcast host Dax Shepard recently shared a surprising revelation about his time on the hit TV show “Parenthood.” Speaking on his “Armchair Expert” podcast with former co-star Lauren Graham, Shepard admitted he deliberately avoided finding out his colleagues’ salaries.
Shepard, known for his candid conversations, explained that prior to “Parenthood,” he always made a point of discovering what everyone on a project earned. However, he decided to break that habit for the sake of his own happiness on set.
“If I find out that Jabbar is making twice as much as me, how can I enjoy going to work?” he joked, referring to his on-screen son.
He acknowledged being among the lowest-paid actors on the show but emphasized the positive impact of his paycheque ignorance, calling it “a blessing.”
This isn’t the first time Shepard has discussed his earnings. In a 2021 podcast appearance, he touched on the sometimes-irritating social media commentary about the perceived pay gap between himself and his wife, Kristen Bell. While acknowledging the annoyance, he affirmed his own financial comfort.
Shepard’s career has certainly evolved since his “Parenthood” days. He currently enjoys success with his podcast, having signed a lucrative deal with Amazon’s Wondery platform. The deal reportedly involves the development of new podcasts and livestreams.